5 minutes

Dennis Katsnelson

In a devastating turn of events, a truck driver lost their life when their vehicle careened off a bridge and landed on top of a stationary train in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Wednesday afternoon. The unfortunate accident occurred on Interstate 90, just prior to exit 30, leaving authorities and witnesses shocked. Eyewitnesses and reports from KBHB recount that a 2019 Peterbilt truck was traveling eastbound on I-90, traversing the bridge when it unexpectedly veered off the road, hurtling towards the precipice. The tractor-trailer broke through the guardrail, hurtling downwards until it collided with a parked train situated beneath the bridge. The impact was so forceful that it caused two train cars to derail, exacerbating the already grave situation.

The 70-year-old truck driver, critically injured from the unfortunate crash, was promptly transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the driver's injuries proved fatal, leading to their untimely demise. The loss of life serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks faced by those who bravely traverse our roads. As if tragedy were not enough, the terrifying incident resulted in a grass fire outbreak. However, emergency response teams acted swiftly, successfully containing the blaze before it could cause significant damage.

The aftermath of the accident necessitated the closure of I-90 westbound for a duration of 20 minutes, while I-90 eastbound remained inaccessible for a thorough investigation and recovery efforts for approximately two hours. Authorities diligently worked to clear the wreckage, retrieve the semi truck, and piece together the crucial details surrounding the incident. At present, no further information has been released regarding the circumstances leading up to this fateful event.

The entire community mourns the loss of the truck driver and awaits insights from the ongoing investigation. This tragic occurrence serves as a poignant reminder of the precarious nature of our highways and the need for continued vigilance in the pursuit of road safety.